Adjustable Shelving System

ABSTRACT

An adjustable shelving system for more easily accessing items stored within an enclosure such as a chest freezer. The adjustable shelving system generally includes a plurality of support legs which may be positioned within an enclosure such as a chest freezer. One or more shelves may be selectively secured along the length of the support legs to provide a support structure for various items. One or more actuators may be provided to selectively raise or lower the shelves into or out of the enclosure. Each of the shelves may also include extensions which are nested within the shelves and may be selectively extracted or retracted to adjust the effective width of the shelves.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable to this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a shelving system and more specifically it relates to an adjustable shelving system for more easily accessing items stored within an enclosure such as a chest freezer.

2. Description of the Related Art

Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Chest freezers and other enclosures have been in use for many years. Anyone owning a chest freezer will understand the frustration and labor involved in attempting to access items at the very bottom of the chest freezer, particularly when there are a large number of additional items resting on top of the items desired to be accessed. Further, individuals with disabilities or of lesser stature may not be able to reach down to the bottom of a chest freezer without injury.

Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a new and improved adjustable shelving system for more easily accessing items stored within an enclosure such as a chest freezer.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided herein is a shelving system which includes a plurality of support legs which may be positioned within an enclosure such as a chest freezer. One or more shelves may be selectively secured along the length of the support legs to provide a support structure for various items. One or more actuators may be provided to selectively raise or lower the shelves into or out of the enclosure. Each of the shelves may also include extensions which are nested within the shelves and may be selectively extracted or retracted to adjust the effective width of the shelves.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an upper sectional perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the present invention in a retracted position.

FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of the present invention in an extended position.

FIG. 4 is a first side view of the present invention in a retracted position.

FIG. 5 is a first end view of the present invention in a retracted position.

FIG. 6 is a first end view of the present invention in an extended position.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A. Overview.

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 8 illustrate an adjustable shelving system 10, which comprises a plurality of support legs 20, 25, 30, 35 which may be positioned within an enclosure such as a chest freezer 12. One or more shelves 40, 50 may be selectively secured along the length of the support legs 20, 25, 30, 35 to provide a support structure for various items. One or more actuators 60, 70 may be provided to selectively raise or lower the shelves 40, 50 into or out of the enclosure. Each of the shelves 40, 50 may also include extensions 45, 47, 55, 57 which are nested within the shelves 40, 50 and may be selectively extracted or retracted to adjust the effective width of the shelves 40, 50.

B. Support Legs.

As shown throughout the figures, the present invention includes a plurality of support legs 20, 25, 30, 35 on which the shelves 40, 50 of the present invention are mounted. The number, positioning, shape, and orientation of the support legs 20, 25, 30, 35 may vary for different embodiments of the present invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be construed as limited by the exemplary figures attached hereto.

In a preferred embodiment as shown in the figures, the present invention includes a first support leg 20, a second support leg 25, a third support leg 30, and a fourth support leg 35. Each of the support legs 20, 25, 30, 35 is preferably comprised of a telescopic configuration so as to allow the legs 20, 25, 30, 35 to extend or retract in length as the present invention is raised or lowered by the actuators 60, 70. Further, each of the support legs 20, 25, 30, 35 will preferably include a slot 22, 27, 32, 37 providing access to underlying apertures 24, 29, 34, 39 which may be utilized to adjust the positioning of the shelves 40, 50 as discussed herein.

In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of support legs 20, 25, 30, 35 comprises a first support leg 20, a second support leg 25, a third support leg 30, and a fourth support leg 35. As best shown in FIG. 2, the first support leg 20 comprises a telescopic configuration and comprises a first outer member 21 and a first inner member 23. The first outer member 21 rests against the bottom of the chest freezer 12 or other enclosure. The first outer member 21 may include a first slot 22 extending along its length. The first slot 22 may extend for the entire length of the first outer member 21 or may extend for only a portion of the length of the first outer member 21. The first slot 22 generally faces toward the shelves 40, 50 of the present invention.

The first slot 22 provides access to the first inner member 23, which is at least partially internal to the first outer member 21. The first inner member 23 may include a plurality of first apertures 24 extending along its length. The first apertures 24 may extend for the full length of the first inner member 23 or may only partially cover its length. The first apertures 24 are preferably positioned along the first inner member 23 in alignment with the first slot 22 of the first outer member 21 when the first support leg 20 is assembled. Thus, the first slot 22 will provide access to underlying first apertures 24 to which the shelves 40, 50 may be selectively secured as discussed herein.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the second support leg 25 comprises a telescopic configuration and comprises a second outer member 26 and a second inner member 28. The second outer member 26 rests against the bottom of the chest freezer 12 or other enclosure. The second outer member 26 may include a second slot 27 extending along its length. The second slot 27 may extend for the entire length of the second outer member 26 or may extend for only a portion of the length of the second outer member 26. The second slot 27 generally faces toward the shelves 40, 50 of the present invention.

The second slot 27 provides access to the second inner member 28, which is at least partially internal to the second outer member 26. The second inner member 28 may include a plurality of second apertures 29 extending along its length. The second apertures 29 may extend for the full length of the second inner member 28 or may only partially cover its length. The second apertures 29 are preferably positioned along the second inner member 28 in alignment with the second slot 27 of the second outer member 26 when the second support leg 25 is assembled. Thus, the second slot 27 will provide access to underlying second apertures 29 to which the shelves 40, 50 may be selectively secured as discussed herein.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the third support leg 30 comprises a telescopic configuration and comprises a third outer member 31 and a third inner member 33. The third outer member 31 rests against the bottom of the chest freezer 12 or other enclosure. The third outer member 31 may include a third slot 32 extending along its length. The third slot 32 may extend for the entire length of the third outer member 31 or may extend for only a portion of the length of the third outer member 31. The third slot 32 generally faces toward the shelves 40, 50 of the present invention.

The third slot 32 provides access to the third inner member 33, which is at least partially internal to the third outer member 31. The third inner member 33 may include a plurality of third apertures 34 extending along its length. The third apertures 34 may extend for the full length of the third inner member 33 or may only partially cover its length. The third apertures 34 are preferably positioned along the third inner member 33 in alignment with the third slot 32 of the third outer member 31 when the third support leg 30 is assembled. Thus, the third slot 32 will provide access to underlying third apertures 34 to which the shelves 40, 50 may be selectively secured as discussed herein.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the fourth support leg 35 comprises a telescopic configuration and comprises a fourth outer member 36 and a fourth inner member 38. The fourth outer member 36 rests against the bottom of the chest freezer 12 or other enclosure. The fourth outer member 36 may include a fourth slot 37 extending along its length. The fourth slot 37 may extend for the entire length of the fourth outer member 36 or may extend for only a portion of the length of the fourth outer member 36. The fourth slot 37 generally faces toward the shelves 40, 50 of the present invention.

The fourth slot 37 provides access to the fourth inner member 38, which is at least partially internal to the fourth outer member 36. The fourth inner member 38 may include a plurality of fourth apertures 39 extending along its length. The fourth apertures 39 may extend for the full length of the fourth inner member 38 or may only partially cover its length. The fourth apertures 39 are preferably positioned along the fourth inner member 38 in alignment with the fourth slot 37 of the fourth outer member 36 when the fourth support leg 35 is assembled. Thus, the fourth slot 37 will provide access to underlying fourth apertures 39 to which the shelves 40, 50 may be selectively secured as discussed herein.

C. Shelves.

The present invention includes one or more shelves 40, 50 which are selectively secured to the support legs 20, 25, 30, 35. The shelves 40, 50 are preferably configured so that they may be secured at different positions along the length of the support legs 20, 25, 30, 35 to adjust the shelving configuration of the present invention for different applications.

For example, greater spacing between shelves 40, 50 may be preferable for storing bigger items, whereas lesser spacing between shelves 40, 50 may be preferably for smaller items such that more shelves 40, 50 may be included. Although the figures only illustrate an upper shelf 40 and a lower shelf 50, it should be appreciated that more or less shelves 40, 50 may be utilized. The present invention should not be construed as limited to any particular number of shelves 40, 50.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, an upper shelf 40 and a lower shelf 50 are utilized. The upper shelf 40 is generally rectangular in shape and comprises a first end 41, a second end 42, a first side 43, and a second side 44. The first and second ends 41, 42 of the upper shelf 40 will generally include first linkages 49 extending outward therefrom as shown in FIG. 2. These first linkages 49 are adapted to extend through the respective slots 22, 27, 32, 37 of the support legs 20, 25, 30, 35 to selectively lock within one of the respective apertures 24, 29, 34, 39 of the support legs 20, 25, 30, 35.

The first linkages 49 may comprise various configurations, such as the pins shown in the figures. Using the first linkages 49 and the apertures 24, 29, 34, 39 of the support legs 20, 25, 30, 35, the positioning of the upper shelf 40 along the length of the support legs 20, 25, 30, 35 may easily be adjusted to change the positioning of the upper shelf 40.

The upper shelf 40 is preferably extendible in width as shown in FIG. 3. The upper shelf 40 may be configured to extend or retract in width through a number of methods. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first side 43 of the upper shelf 40 includes a first upper extension 45 which is adapted to slide into and out of the upper shelf 40 at its first side 43. Similarly, the second side 44 of the upper shelf 40 includes a second upper extension 47 which is adapted to slide into and out of the upper shelf 40 at its second side 44. Thus, the upper extensions 45, 47 are nested within the upper shelf 40 to be selectively pulled out or pushed back in when needed to extend or retract the effective width of the upper shelf 40.

To prevent the upper extensions 45, 47 from fully nesting within the upper shelf 40, as well as to prevent items falling off and to provide a gripping point for the upper extensions 45, 47, the first upper extension 45 may include a first flange 46 and the second upper extension 47 may include a second flange 48. The first flange 46 will generally extend along the first side 43 of the upper shelf 40 and the second flange 48 will generally extend along the second side 44 of the upper shelf 40.

The lower shelf 50 is generally rectangular in shape and comprises a first end 51, a second end 52, a first side 53, and a second side 54. The first and second ends 51, 52 of the lower shelf 50 will generally include second linkages 59 extending outward therefrom as shown in FIG. 2. These second linkages 59 are adapted to extend through the respective slots 22, 27, 32, 37 of the support legs 20, 25, 30, 35 to selectively lock within one of the respective apertures 24, 29, 34, 39 of the support legs 20, 25, 30, 35.

The second linkages 59 may comprise various configurations, such as the pins shown in the figures. Using the second linkages 59 and the apertures 24, 29, 34, 39 of the support legs 20, 25, 30, 35, the positioning of the lower shelf 50 along the length of the support legs 20, 25, 30, 35 may easily be adjusted to change the positioning of the lower shelf 50.

The lower shelf 50 is preferably extendible in width as shown in FIG. 3. The lower shelf 50 may be configured to extend or retract in width through a number of methods. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first side 53 of the lower shelf 50 includes a first lower extension 55 which is adapted to slide into and out of the lower shelf 50 at its first side 53. Similarly, the second side 54 of the lower shelf 50 includes a second lower extension 57 which is adapted to slide into and out of the lower shelf 50 at its second side 54. Thus, the lower extensions 55, 57 are nested within the lower shelf 50 to be selectively pulled out or pushed back in when needed to extend or retract the effective width of the lower shelf 50.

To prevent the lower extensions 55, 57 from fully nesting within the lower shelf 50, as well as to prevent items falling off and to provide a gripping point for the lower extensions 55, 57, the first lower extension 55 may include a third flange 56 and the second lower extension 57 may include a fourth flange 58. The third flange 56 will generally extend along the first side 53 of the lower shelf 50 and the fourth flange 58 will generally extend along the second side 54 of the lower shelf 50.

D. Actuators.

As shown in the figures, the present invention includes actuators 60, 70 for raising and/or lowering the present invention out of or into a chest freezer 12 or other enclosure. Various types of actuators 60, 70 may be utilized and the scope of the present invention should not be construed as limited by the exemplary figures. While the figures illustrate the use of a first actuator 60 and a second actuator 70, it should be appreciated that more or less actuators 60, 70 may be utilized in different embodiments. The actuators 60, 70 may be manually controlled or remotely controlled, such as by a remote controller (not shown).

In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, a first actuator 60 extends along the first ends 41, 51 of the shelves 40, 50 and a second actuator 70 extends along the second ends 42, 52 of the shelves 40, 50. The first actuator 60 may comprise a liner actuator as shown in the figures having a first inner member 61 and a first outer member 63. The first inner member 61 may include a first base 62 at its lower end which acts as a foot for the first actuator 60. The first outer member 63 may include a first bracket 64 at its upper end which is secured to the upper shelf 40. The first bracket 64 may be secured to the upper shelf 40 through various methods, such as by magnets, clips, connectors, and the like.

Similarly, the second actuator 70 may comprise a linear actuator as shown in the figures having a second inner member 71 and a second outer member 73. The second inner member 71 may include a second base 72 at its lower end which acts as a foot for the second actuator 70. The second outer member 73 may include a second bracket 74 at its upper end which is secured to the upper shelf 40. The second bracket 74 may be secured to the upper shelf 40 through various methods, such as by magnets, clips, connectors, and the like.

E. Operation of Preferred Embodiment.

In use, the present invention is first positioned within an enclosure such as a chest freezer 12 as shown in FIG. 1. The spacing and positioning of the shelves 40, 50 may be adjusted by selectively inserting the linkages 49, 59 within corresponding apertures 24, 29, 34, 39 on the support legs 20, 25, 30, 35 to select the height of the shelves 40, 50 along the support legs 20, 25, 30, 35.

The actuators 60, 70 are generally secured between the bottom surface of the chest freezer 12 and the upper shelf 40. Because both shelves 40, 50 are connected to each of the support legs 20, 25, 30, 35 together, the raising of the upper shelf 40 will similarly raise up the lower shelf 50. The brackets 64, 74 of the actuators 60, 70 are thus secured to the upper shelf 40 without the need for the actuators 60, 70 to be connected to any other portions of the present invention. For example, neither the actuators 60, 70 nor any other portion of the present invention need be secured to the lid of the chest freezer 12.

When desired, the actuators 60, 70 may be extended manually or automatically (such as by a remote controller). When the actuators 60, 70 extend upwardly, the shelves 40, 50 will similarly extend upward along with the actuators 60, 70. The linkages 49, 59 will slide within slots 22, 27, 32, 37 of the support legs 20, 25, 30, 35 so that the shelves 40, 50 may be adjusted upwardly. When desired, the actuators 60, 70 may be retracted to lower the shelves 40, 50 back into the chest freezer 12 or other enclosure.

The upper extensions 45, 47, 55, 57 of the respective shelves 40, 50 may be pulled out or pushed in using the flanges 46, 48, 56, 58. Thus, the effective width of the shelves 40, 50 may be adjusted as needed, such as to suit differently-sized chest freezers 12 without the need for new shelves 40, 50.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. An adjustable shelving system, comprising: a plurality of support legs, wherein each of said support legs is adjustable in length; at least one shelf removably secured to said support legs; and at least one actuator for extending or retracting the length of said support legs to lift or lower said at least one shelf.
 2. The adjustable shelving system of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of support legs comprises an inner member and an outer member.
 3. The adjustable shelving system of claim 2, wherein each of said outer members includes a slot.
 4. The adjustable shelving system of claim 3, wherein each of said inner members includes a plurality of apertures.
 5. The adjustable shelving system of claim 4, wherein said at least one shelf includes a linkage for selectively inserted within said plurality of apertures to adjust positioning of said at least one shelf.
 6. The adjustable shelving system of claim 1, wherein said at least one actuator comprises an in-line actuator.
 7. The adjustable shelving system of claim 1, wherein said at least one shelf is adjustable in width.
 8. The adjustable shelving system of claim 7, wherein said at least one shelf includes at least one extension, wherein said at least one extension is nested within said at least one shelf, wherein said at least one extension is adapted to be extended or retracted with respect to said at least one shelf.
 9. The adjustable shelving system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of support legs are positioned within a chest freezer.
 10. An adjustable shelving system, comprising: a chest freezer; a plurality of support legs positioned within said chest freezer, wherein each of said support legs is adjustable in length; an upper shelf secured to said plurality of support legs; a lower shelf secured to said plurality of support legs; and at least one actuator for extending or retracting the length of said support legs to lift or lower said at least one shelf.
 11. The adjustable shelving system of claim 10, wherein each of said plurality of support legs comprises an inner member and an outer member.
 12. The adjustable shelving system of claim 11, wherein each of said outer members includes a slot.
 13. The adjustable shelving system of claim 12, wherein each of said inner members includes a plurality of apertures.
 14. The adjustable shelving system of claim 13, wherein said at least one shelf includes a linkage for selectively inserted within said plurality of apertures to adjust positioning of said at least one shelf.
 15. The adjustable shelving system of claim 1, wherein said at least one actuator comprises an in-line actuator.
 16. The adjustable shelving system of claim 15, wherein said at least one actuator is connected to said upper shelf.
 17. The adjustable shelving system of claim 16, wherein said at least one actuator includes a bracket for connecting to said upper shelf.
 18. The adjustable shelving system of claim 17, wherein said at least one actuator comprises a first actuator connected to a first end of said upper shelf and a second actuator connected to a second end of said upper shelf.
 19. The adjustable shelving system of claim 1, wherein said upper shelf and said lower shelf are each adjustable in width.
 20. The adjustable shelving system of claim 7, wherein said upper shelf includes at least one upper extension, wherein said at least one upper extension is nested within said upper shelf, wherein said at least one upper extension is adapted to be extended or retracted with respect to said upper shelf. 